VERNON 'BABE' BAUMGARDT, 89 STERLING - Vernon "Babe" Baumgardt, age 89, of Sterling, Illinois formerly of Chadwick, Illinois, died on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling with loving family members at his side. Vernon was born on October 21, 1923, the son of George and Luella (Traum) Baumgardt in Milledgeville, Illinois. He attended school in Milledgeville, until he began helping his father haul milk. Vernon proudly served his country in the United States Army as an Infantryman during World War II. Vernon married Lola A. Miller-Knutti on October 23, 1971 in Chadwick. Vernon drove truck his entire life, starting with his father and later with Q-Line Trucking in Chadwick. Eventually, Vernon obtained his own milk route and hauled milk until retiring in 1988. Vernon and his wife loved traveling, especially to Branson, Missouri. They also took several trips to Florida with their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking and loved spending time with his family and friends. Vernon will be missed by his wife, Lola of Sterling; six children, Roger (Connie) Knutti of Lanark, Illinois, Larry (Char) Knutti of Pecatonica, Illinois, Steve (April) Knutti of Chadwick, Mark (Deb) Knutti of Sterling, Dave (Kalah) Knutti of Chadwick and Rick (Janet) Baumgardt of Chadwick; one daughter in-law, Shirley Knutti of Milledgeville and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren that number up to 60. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Henry Baumgardt and two children, Marvin Knutti and Lana Thulen. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Hope United Methodist Church in Chadwick. Burial will take place in the Chadwick Cemetery, Chadwick. Military Rites will be accorded by the Chadwick American Legion. A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service at the church. A memorial fund has been established in Vernon's memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.